In the Company of the Courtesan - book review

author: Sarah Dunant

This author also wrote The Birth of Venus about the Medicis and Florence and art.

This book is set in Venice mostly, in the mid 1500s. The narrator is a dwarf who is the general factotum for the courtesan. The story is seen through his eyes - the work he has to do, the assumptions he makes.

There are some twists, and the plot takes a major turn after he falls into the canal and becomes very ill.

I'd recently read a book based on a fantasy version of Venice (Stravaganza)... it was fun to try to compare landmarks.

It was a fun, satisfying read.

Comments: 7

Chris Wiegard Jul 23, 2009, 9:44pm UTC

Leslie- there is so much more to say about this one! It's one of my favorites. I think the relationship between the three characters, the Courtesan, the Dwarf, and the Witch, is the heart of the story. It's fascinating, mysterious, and- in the final surprise- touching.

Sarah Dunant's new historical novel is just released. it is also set in Italy in the 1500's. I believe the story takes place entirely within the walls of a convent. Sounds impossibly boring, but knowing Dunant, it's probably not.

Christine Zibas Jul 24, 2009, 1:42am UTC

I have the new Dunant to review. It seemed interesting to me from the description, but the cover art is definitely over the top!

Leslie ~ from NYC ~ R. Jul 24, 2009, 6:40am UTC

Chris, I remember you'd recommeded this book after I'd read Birth of Venus.
I have read so many books about Venice... I MUST go there.

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Christine Zibas Jul 24, 2009, 1:42am UTC

Can't wait to read this book. I also have never been to Venice, although I've spent a lot of time in Italy...how did I miss it? Hopefully I'll get there one day.

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Christine Zibas Jul 24, 2009, 1:43am UTC

Thanks for posting your review to the Gather group, Bookin'.

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Susan O. Jul 24, 2009, 7:09am UTC

Thank you for the review. I may have read this but if I haven't I will add it to my list.

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Gessy D. Jul 24, 2009, 12:46pm UTC

Thank you for the review. The book sounds interesting. I just want to visit Tuscan even since I saw "Under the Tuscan Sun" with Diane Lane.

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In the Company of the Courtesan - book review

Comments: 7

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